CMS Price Transparency Data

Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 93306 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 93306
Insurance Median: $1,463
Cash Discount Price: $2,508
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) at UPMC Mercy is $1,463. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,508. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $558.25, this hospital’s rate is 2.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,508

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,463

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$558.25

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $558.25 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,508 (449%)

Insurance Median: $1,463 (262%)

Cash: $2,508 (449% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,463 (262% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $558.25 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 262% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 162%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Upmc Health Plan	$155 - $880	28%
UnitedHealthcare	$162	29%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$209 - $2,090	37%
Amerihealth Caritas	$223 - $565	40%
Pa Health & Wellness	$240 - $565	43%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$340 - $1,929	61%
Upmc Work Partners	$465	83%
Aetna	$549 - $1,672	98%
Cigna	$1,421 - $2,508	255%
Bravo	$1,463	262%
Coventry/First Health	$1,839	329%
Intergroup	$2,090 - $3,344	374%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,135	562%
American Healthcare Group	$3,344	599%
National Provider Network	$3,428	614%
Health Payors Organization	$3,762	674%
Multiplan	$3,762	674%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,508.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 93306.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Mercy is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 93306.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.